[Cervicogenic headache caused by lower cervical spondylosis].

We report a rare case of severe facial pain and headache due to cervical spondylosis successfully treated by surgical intervention. A 48-year-old woman had been suffering from severe left side facial pain and headache since she was 44 years old. Analgesics were not effective. At 48 years of age, a magnetic resonance imaging of the cervical spine revealed a degenerated disk at the C5/6 level with encroachment on the foramina and the cord. Anesthetic blockade to the C5/6 facet joint was effective, but was temporary. After the anterior decompression and stabilization using a titanium cage, the pain disappeared completely and has not recurred through 1 year of follow up. This report indicates that lower cervical root compression may cause cervicogenic headache, which can be treated effectively by surgical intervention.